More Cheltenham clues are on offer here as last season's Champion Hurdle winner PUNJABI takes on rising star Starluck in what looks a match, with our preference for the former. Nicky Henderson's charge caught the eye on his seasonal reappearance at Cheltenham in December, shaping as if the race would bring him on a bundle having travelled well to the top of the hill. It was therefore disappointing he was brushed aside so easily by Medermit last time and so he does arrive here with questions to answer, but as conditions should favour him he gets the vote. It is worth remembering though that he was ultimately well beaten in this before winning the Cheltenham feature last year and he's unlikely to be at peak fitness with that in mind. Starluck took third in last year's Triumph Hurdle behind Zaynar and Walkon having travelled well before emptying on the final climb. That effort raised concerns about the horse's stamina for the job but he's undoubtedly come on again this year judging by a short-head second to Go Native over Christmas at Kempton. That form puts him bang in the picture and arguably ahead of Punjabi at this stage, but two miles really does seem his limit and on soft ground his stamina might be tested. Were this race at Kempton on good ground we'd be with Starluck, but it's on soft ground at Wincanton so we're with Punjabi. The remainder look held although this is a race that can throw up odd results, so Qozak and Treaty Flyer shouldn't be completely discounted despite the fact they've plenty to find on paper. The first-named won a handicap stylishly on his penultimate start before coming unstuck under a penalty two days after. There's little doubt that race came too soon and it was a big ask, but this is certainly no easier and the Nicholls runner shouldn't be good enough at this stage despite his obvious potential. The mare Treaty Flyer has won on soft ground but she's been beaten off a mark of 137 in handicap company of late and that level of form is approaching two-stone shy of what should theoretically be required. Mon Michel has more than one mountain to climb and has been off the track since 2008 whilst Petito is here to give connections a day out. Punjabi should go some way to restoring his reputation by landing a below-par renewal of the Kingwell.
Punjabi 5-6fav (11-12) Chased leader who was clear until before 5th, led approaching 2 out, ridden and headed when not fluent last, no impression final 150 yards, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Medermit (11-8) at Haydock 2m hdl G2 (1) sft in Jan.
Starluck (IRE) 10-3 (11-7) Held up towards rear, jumped left 4th, headway 2 out, stayed on strongly after last, not reach winner, 2nd of 7, shd behind Go Native (11-7) at Kempton 2m hdl G1 (1) gs in Dec.
Mon Michel (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Took keen hold in touch, effort 4 out, soon weakened, 5th of 9, well behind Deep Purple (11-0) at Taunton 2m beg chs (4) gs in Nov '08.
Petito (IRE) 25-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, not fluent 1st, mistakes 5th, ridden into moderate 7th after 3 out, never dangerous, 7th of 11, 30l behind Lord Singer (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 2f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Jan.
Qozak (FR) 15-8fav (10-4) Mid-division on outside, headway 3 out, ridden and outpaced approaching next, no impression, 6th of 17, 13l behind Mamlook (10-1) at Ascot 2m 3f Ltd hcp hdl (1) sft in Jan.
Treaty Flyer (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, every chance approaching 2 out, one pace, 4th of 12, 10l behind Zarinava (11-0) at Doncaster 2m hdl G2 (1) gs.
